For every player not on the Varsity squad,
the whistle that ends the game against Channelview will
wrap the 2007 season. And, what a season it has been. The Bruin players have grown a great deal as a result of their participation, win-loss record notwithstanding. Participation in a first-rate program provides young men with structure for fair competition. Players develop self-respect and respect for others with whom they have
survived the catechism of pain and fatigue. Players, in the interest of your continued growth, I want to suggest three books for the off-season.
1. Never Die Easy - Walter Payton:
It wasn't his numbers that made #34 the embodiment of manhood: it was his commitment to God, family, teammates as well as his constant effort to set a good example. Instead of moping in the face of death, he faced it like any other opponent; with defiance. Payton: "Every day you live is a special day, even though sometimes it might not be easy to see that or understand that, but every day is a wonderful day, because you make it wonderful." Read this book. There are a lot of Bruins who have the potential to impact lives in a positive way, just like "Sweetness".
2. The Teammates by David Halberstam - The friendships
we make in times of adversity are bonds forged of real
fire. That is why Boston Red Sox Ted Williams, Johnny
Pesky, Dom Dimaggio and Bobby Doeur remained the most
committed of friends until their deaths. All four were All-Stars.
Also, these men were American patriots who served in WWII and Korea.
Sometimes sports can be frustrating. But, when we go
through it together, mutual loyalty results. And, that's
as rewarding a result of playing West Brook football as any.
3. My Losing Season - Pat Conroy This is a true story
by the man who wrote The Great Santini. Conroy endured
four years of frustration at the Citadel, as a member of
their basketball team in the 1960's. His dreams of
starring in a run to the conference championship were
squelched by an insensitive father and coach. But,
Conroy found that his love of team sports could not
be stifled. This book reminds its reader that there
is value in simply contributing to the team effort.
Conroy is that nameless second-team point guard who
rises to great heights by not allowing anyone to
steal his hope and optimism.
These players have changed for the better this
year. It's been a pleasure to see. Just a dad, I
commonly hear "Yes, Sir". I see players doing homework
while still in the locker room. I offer these suggestions
in order to help keep that growth going year-round. As a
member of the program, it is incumbent upon a player to be
an example to others, like "Sweetness", to invest in and
value the friendships made here, and remain optimistic no
matter the circumstance.
the whistle that ends the game against Channelview will
wrap the 2007 season. And, what a season it has been. The Bruin players have grown a great deal as a result of their participation, win-loss record notwithstanding. Participation in a first-rate program provides young men with structure for fair competition. Players develop self-respect and respect for others with whom they have
survived the catechism of pain and fatigue. Players, in the interest of your continued growth, I want to suggest three books for the off-season.
1. Never Die Easy - Walter Payton:
It wasn't his numbers that made #34 the embodiment of manhood: it was his commitment to God, family, teammates as well as his constant effort to set a good example. Instead of moping in the face of death, he faced it like any other opponent; with defiance. Payton: "Every day you live is a special day, even though sometimes it might not be easy to see that or understand that, but every day is a wonderful day, because you make it wonderful." Read this book. There are a lot of Bruins who have the potential to impact lives in a positive way, just like "Sweetness".
2. The Teammates by David Halberstam - The friendships
we make in times of adversity are bonds forged of real
fire. That is why Boston Red Sox Ted Williams, Johnny
Pesky, Dom Dimaggio and Bobby Doeur remained the most
committed of friends until their deaths. All four were All-Stars.
Also, these men were American patriots who served in WWII and Korea.
Sometimes sports can be frustrating. But, when we go
through it together, mutual loyalty results. And, that's
as rewarding a result of playing West Brook football as any.
3. My Losing Season - Pat Conroy This is a true story
by the man who wrote The Great Santini. Conroy endured
four years of frustration at the Citadel, as a member of
their basketball team in the 1960's. His dreams of
starring in a run to the conference championship were
squelched by an insensitive father and coach. But,
Conroy found that his love of team sports could not
be stifled. This book reminds its reader that there
is value in simply contributing to the team effort.
Conroy is that nameless second-team point guard who
rises to great heights by not allowing anyone to
steal his hope and optimism.
These players have changed for the better this
year. It's been a pleasure to see. Just a dad, I
commonly hear "Yes, Sir". I see players doing homework
while still in the locker room. I offer these suggestions
in order to help keep that growth going year-round. As a
member of the program, it is incumbent upon a player to be
an example to others, like "Sweetness", to invest in and
value the friendships made here, and remain optimistic no
matter the circumstance.
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